Reviews

If there was ever a film that I wanted so badly to see, and wanted so badly to walk away from within thirty minutes of watching, but tried to stick it out to the end with the expectation that it had to get better, only to be disappointed, it was this film.

Obviously, the main cast of the film was terrific and the directing of the film was incredible. Certainly, the acting was pretty good and the storyline was promising. These qualities gave this film the potential to be one of the greatest of all time, and yet it wasn't.

The film's comedic relief was on the most immature level that it continuously conflicted with the more stable and rational parts of the film. This made such an intelligent concept seem at times down right stupid, and I don't' like stupid films.

Start with a story bowl of an idea that shines a light on a culture of desperate and marginalized people living within this country that are accustomed to being unseen and unheard for safety and survival. Pour in the world around them that closes in on their airspace in exchange for visibility and sound. Sprinkle in old pain and new fear on the breath of every actor whose lines are filled more with void than message. Add a touch of suspense to pull you to the next act despite your boredom. Mix it all in with brilliant cinematography, serve it up with special effects, and a person would think that he or she has made a film as tasteful as the greats. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. This film was a dish of disappointment.

I'm not surprised that the current box office results convey the reality that, in general, American audiences rather bounce their rear parts into theater seats to see an imaginary superhero, like Black Adam, than such an unlikely one as Mamie-Till-Mobley. Then again, when has real, black, underprivileged, a woman, nonviolent and dignified, composed of a symphony of courage ever been a character that people in this country root for, cheer for, or even desire to glance upon? Therefore, I find the low ticket sales, which aren't remotely a reflection of the brilliance, glory, and talent spread throughout this film, shamefully fitting. Much like Mamie Till Mobley's son, during his last day in the smoldering heat of an angry South, too many believe that she has no place on the big screen, and certainly not in a hero's role. Perhaps, the reason is that most people today would rather watch fantasy than this true-to-life story because it reveals a type of courage that their living without. It's the type of courage that can change the course of the world.

As for Danielle Deadwyler, the woman who brought Mamie Till-Mobley to us in this generation, she is by far one of the most versatile and brilliantly talented actors in Hollywood and anywhere scripts are being performed. She flourishes in drastically different roles becoming unrecognizable with each draw-dropping performance; from the courageous mother of a boy murdered by hatred in 1955, to a horse riding, gunslinging stud in the late 1800s, to an unexpected widow down on luck and money while desperately fighting to keep her son alive. Consequently, I can't help but think that Deadwyler, in a way dissimilar to Mamie Till Mobley, and yet still worthy of applause, is going to shake up the world. If this film teaches us anything, it's that history is ever so present.

Wrapped in life stories merged in love, tradition, hope and pain there are unforgettable characters within this series that move a soul with every line, every facial expression, and every heartfelt embrace. I consider Music to be the main character pressing all others into my heart and mind. Then, of course, there is Zoe and Eugenio, the obvious lovers that live out their days testing the strength of that love. They certainly made and impression on me. But, perhaps, the characters that grabbed my attention the most while viewing the series was Kellita Smith-an actress who, in my opinion, has finally found a platform worthy of her comedic timing, and then there is the ever versatile, undeniably talented Danielle Deadwyler--an actress who often transforms herself into drastically different roles, where she could easily be nearly any and every black woman or black man who's dead or alive. Without pause, I'm always anchored in the natural talent and brilliant line delivery of Keith David and Judith Scott, and in this series their performances did just what I expected; they kept me grounded in all that's good. Topped off with the talented Paride and Lucia, and directed by a Nzingha Stewart, this series is full of character that will never die.

It was brilliant decision not to allow this show to mimic the film, and it was pure genius not to allow the film's iconic characters, played by Gena Davis and Tom Hanks, to become boldly visible within any scene. If it either had, this show would not have had the chance for its famous storyline to grow beyond the film. If it had, this storyline would never had the opportunity to widen and increase its depth with love, hate, bigotry, fear, friendship, and passion that was presented in every episode we are blessed to watch.

First and foremost, Ana de Armas was a beast in this film! She was fearless, strong, skilled, fast, at sometimes funny. Of course, her performance was aided by great directing, editing, and a script that empowered women. Nonetheless, she was outstanding.

As for the lead, Ryan Gosling, well done! I could never before imagine Mr. LaLa Land being a human-hero; throwing hands, grenades, and whatever else he can to win a fight. Yet, there he was in this film just that, and as believable to me as anyone. Add in the script that had the brilliant dialogue about the gods likely punishing someone by pushing a rock up a hill and there's definite meaning, purpose, and layers to Gosling's character.

Then there's the talented Mrs. Woodard who just handles her few scenes with grace, power, and humility.

For these reasons, along with the sequence of nonstop action that crumbled building falling around speeding cars that dodged bullets, this film gets a nine from me and a side-eye to anyone who views it less than an eight.

I'm only on episode two of this series; yet, I can already see that his show is a bit of Drumline mixed with A Different World, Growinish, and certainly the best episodes of All American. In other words, it has no choice but to be heartwarming, entertaining, enlightening, and a culture explosion for anyone who has never attended an HBCU. Just watching this series reminds me how lucky I am that I did.

The power of love has changed everything in this world for the better. Technology would have never advanced to an idea without it. Quality of life would never have the chance to improve without it. This film is evidence of all of these things.

I love everything about this film; the complexity of the characters, the layered storyline, the script that is filled with spaces just for the actors' talent to fill. This is amazing filmmaking, and so tragic that it is a true story for many citizens of this country. This is the type of film I dream about making, and I'm just bold enough to think I can one day do the same.

Sharon Horgan and James McAvoy floored me with darn near every line that came out of their mouths. They delivered brilliant performances of a common couple trying to cope with trauma outside their home and within their hearts. In fact, their performances were so outstanding that they made me wonder, were the actors acting out a script, or just filling in the words of a story with their own thoughts and emotions. Regardless, Horgan and McAvoy harmonized on screen, even while giving solo performances in soul-snatching monologues. To recap, they were just brilliant as was this film in its entirety.

As I'm writing this review, I'm trying to justify why I didn't give it five stars, especially since the series started off pretty good and every episode felt better than the one that preceded it. I'm certain that the entangled and surprising storylines had plenty to do with it, along with the outstanding performances from the actors, and the crafty and sometimes intimate camera angles. Furthermore, my best guess is that my reasoning is based solely on the series ending too soon for me not to care.

As I'm writing this review, I'm trying to justify why I didn't give it ten stars, especially since the series started off pretty good and every episode felt better than the one that preceded it. I'm certain that the entangled and surprising storylines had plenty to do with it, along with the outstanding performances from the actors, and the crafty and sometimes intimate camera angles. Furthermore, my best guess is that my reasoning is based solely on the series ending too soon for me not to care.

This film is outstanding. The story, the performances, simply all of it felt as real as it gets. Also, that steadicam operator was incredible. The movement of the camera just made me feel as if I was in every space the action was taking place.

I stopped the film several times to appreciate the writer/director. The way she told such an emotional and complex story with the simplest of shots mixed with silence or a dialogue that tangled around the skin is a gift from God.

When I gave the film my rating of 7, I couldn't imagine why the reviews were so low. Then I, of course, decided to read other reviews to gain some insight. Quickly I pictured older women with their noses up in the air, and their lips shriveled up, looking at a successful older man loving a much younger girl. I kept reading responses to soon picture more women, who have always felt judged or confined in their relationships by another's judgment, disgusted over the main character wanting to control who her father should date. In all, I get it. The people who wrote those nasty reviews simply could relate more to the film than they wanted to. Well, that wasn't me. I am not personally attached to any character and, therefore, I think it was hilarious!

I don't make this a habit to write a review before the film is over, but I'm just a little over an hour in and breaking. This film is so powerful, insightful, and has shaken me up in ways that very few films have. Nearly every scene of this film reflects how the smallest of gestures can make a world of difference to someone, whether it's for the good or bad, and it makes me rethink my every decision. My choices to be kind to others, whether I feel their situations are genuine or a calculated scam, no longer matter to me. This film, even more so than my faith, has disallowed me to ignore that a single choice in a moment can wreck or rebuild a life.

I already knew that David Oyelowo and Gugu Mbatha-Raw were scene-stealing actors, but it wasn't until after I saw this series that I realized Jessica Plummer is a force to be reckoned with. I'm sure this young woman can hold her own in any scene with any actor, continuing to display an assortment of what appears to be the most authentic of emotions at the snap of a finger. Besides the revelation surrounding Plummer, the only thing I really loved about this series was that the director gave a master course with each episode, and believe me I took notes.

The superb writing, the flawless acting, the brilliant way each episode highlights the wrong in the world by shining a light from a Black American's perspective has made this show one of my favorites.

If Kristian King is coming out the gate with this, she is a true force to be reckoned with in the film industry. This film has a well-written script and is brilliantly directed, as it shined a light on the pressures for one to maintain mainstream's idea of excellence. This film also worked to erase the stereotypes of black education while giving balance to the conversations pertaining to HBCUs by highlighting the admission of the high and low. This film was enlightening, and at times hilarious and heart-breaking. Yet, in the end, the film was simply brilliant.

I was all ready to give this moving film a 7 and then I found out it's a true story. Now I'm not just movie viewer but a fan. Let the hands clap and the tears roll. Go, Nomads!

Danielle's performance, specifically her ability to deliver a realistic cry, was something amazing to see. She's so terrific as an actress that I can't tell if she brought light to a terrific script, or if a good script brought light to her talent.

This film just made me feel good about life, family, and the holiday season. Thank you OWN network for unlocking it so I could watch it free on Youtube. Who knew it would be a film that I would actually pay to watch.

In college, I studied schizophrenia and its effects on the human mind. For a decade, I went on to work with those affected with the illness. Yet, never have I gained more of a vivid view of how it works than after watching this film. Consequently, I consider this film a true education that every mental health professional and educator should enroll in...

This is the first review I've ever written, and likely will ever write, that is completely biased, holding a rating that is predicated solely on the level of admiration, love, and gratitude that I hold for the artist. I am thankful to those who documented the pieces of Toni Morrison so brilliantly. Regardless, my rating of 10 goes to Toni, because she was who she was, and I'm not ashamed of it.